The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-12-23
CHAIRMAN AND ASSESSOR.
TWO IMPORTANT OFFICES OVER
LOOKED IN THE HUBBUB.
Squire D.. c. Slaughter's Chances for Re-
election Very Flattering-Are Assessor
Candidates Smith n Jackson Dis
qualified by Court Membership

In the heat of discussion over city affairs,
important county officers to be elected in
January have been overlooked. These are
chairman of the county court and assessor,
both vital to the best interests Of the county,
For the former position the contest is be-
tween Squires d. G. Slaughter, the present
incumbent, and W. p. York, Of Millington.
Mr.. Slaughter-it cannot be denied, even by
his o~ppuncnts--has made a faithful, con-
scicntious and capable chairman. He is
warmly supported by the best element of
the = urt, Squire York, with laudable am
bition, is contcSting the official honor,
backed by Squire Pat Winters and Mr.. i. l..
Gibson. There are the two combinations.
For assessor, am office newly created, and
of keen interest to every property owner,
large and small, in the county, there are two
candidates, both members Of the court
McsstS. G. T.. Smith and W. f.. Jackson. So
far, the former has the advantage. No out
slider has yet announced himself in the race,
simply because, as against the opposing
sQuirpS, he would not stand the shadow OF q
chance. Mr.. ". B. McHcnry, a gentleman
fitted by knowledge, practical ideas and
force of character for the responsible Office,
has been prominently mentioned, but the
movement for him has gone no further.
Az ArrEtL reporter called on Esquire
Slaughter yesterday, to learn something OF
the complications. esquire, what do you
think oil the prospect for your reelection TO
the ~clairmanship2' asked the reporter.
"Wcll, | can't say positively, but think
IL is good. | think as n whole, we have
the best county court in the State. The
cmbcrs are sensible men; they all under
stand the situation Of affairs, and II Is for
them 10 settle the matter. | have not been
out any, from the fact that / don't think II
proper to be continually teasing men about
their votes, nor have | had any one out cleo
tionccring for me. There are a few men
working very hard against me, but my con
iidCnCc in a large majority OF tie court %
such that | don't believe that they will al
low me 10 be defeated under all the circum'
stances"
what are your views Of the law in regard
10 members Of the county court being can
didatc- for county ASSESSOR
"Wcil, sir. owing TO the ambiguity Of the
language used in Section 20 Of the act
creating thai Office, il is hard 10 tell what the
law Is. ! have always been Of the opinion
thas it was clearly the intention of the Legs
laturc that no member Of the court could be
candidate unless he first resigned. | have
been asked more than a hundred times whai
position / would take in the premises. My
reply has been that the court must settle a.
III urttCr, however, 10 satisfy mNscl anu q
great many who talked with me about th,
matter, | wrote a letter 10 the Attorney
General OF the State, at Nashville, and asked
hi construction OF Sections ~ and - OF Oh,
nets. by the way, ! have his reply. 1t vii
explain itself
NASHVILLE, Tenn, Zee. T. ISL
MI n. e. Slaughter, Memphis, Tenn;
Irarsir-Whilc lam not authorized 20 give yor0'
official opinion upon the matter presented 10y you
letter Of the 9TH Instant, ! am very willing 10 cN
ptuss tpvou my view Of Sections ~ aud "a NJ tl
assessment net Of lsN5. ul do not think any uu
eligible 10 thconicr OF assessor fur lsNN who d. ut lh
time ui the election n member 81 the court clctun
The us.rs.or. o. AsScssor elected by the people ht
ginning with August. lSSS, willhuld for four year
lruu that u appcnr- fruin the Journals that III
two u.ad IN Section - ia mistake. and Tia
-four ycan l. the correct term. Your, truly,
g.. ". PICKLE.
~ I were a candidate resumed th
squire, 'and had a pretty good showing O
being elected. | would resign for fear II CON
pliCations. We only have two candidate.
they are both members Of the court, and tw
Of our best ones, and | would hate 10 Civ
them up. still, II is n doubtful question
and they must exercise their own iudginon
in the matter. can't advise them what I
do